Rose Wilson was yesterday announced as one of 41 finalists in the portraiture competition administered by the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney.

Her depiction of silversmith Dan Flynn secured her position in the final grouping which also features images of actor John Wood, singer Kimbra, education reviewer David Gonski and Melbourne Catholic priest Father Bob Maguire.

“It’s pretty overwhelming,” Wilson said of her selection.

“I’ve only been entering the arena of prizes for the past three years, so I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.

“There’s no high expectations with the Archibald because it’s a bit of a circus, you just hope they like what they see in that five seconds they see it because if they don’t it just gets put back on the back wall with all the others.”

Wilson, a graduate of Murray High School, now lives near Trentham in central Victoria.

Her subject is an international silversmith, who comes from the nearby town of Kyneton.

Mr Flynn has produced trophies for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Wilson described him as a “very gracious sitter” and “pleased with the final product”.

As for her own chances of winning the $75,000 Archibald Prize on March 30, Wilson was realistic.

“It would be a great achievement to be able to win a prize when 800 artists have also tried out for it, but I think just being a finalist is already prize enough for me,” she said.

Wood’s portrait, by first-time entrant Raelene Sharp, yesterday won the packing room prize chosen by storemen at the art gallery.

“I think it’s wonderful that a relatively unknown painter, painting a portrait of a has-been, has managed to win such a prestigious prize,” Wood said.

He said he was flattered to be chosen by Sharp.